BCUC values week 3 : Encouraging Friendship - 23 Feb 2025

Dear friends of BCUC, I am so thankful that Jesus calls us friends. I am also grateful that I had friends who first encouraged me to come along to church activities and youth groups. Since then, I have had the gift of friends who continue to encourage me in my faith, to become a minister and to help be a leader in the Uniting Church. It would be very hard without them. I often think I have people who are better friends towards me than I am to them. What have encouraging friends done for you?  How might you be a friend to others? The bible has much to say about friendship. As you reflect on its many stories, you’ll notice how often people are surrounded by the gift of friends:“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.” (Proverbs 27:9, NLT) Today, I joined the annual Mystery Bur Tour with the Friendship Club. Among those on the journey were friends who have known each other since their first year of primary school—a beautiful testament to lifelong companionship. While you can become a Christian by yourself, encouraging Christian friendship has always been an important part of living out our faith. Jesus first disciples were work colleagues, relatives, and friends. The early church followed Jesus’ example, sending people out in pairs to share the joy of the gospel. Why do you think friendship is important? Is it a luxury, or is it central to life? While we might sometimes prefer a private faith, keeping to ourselves behind high walls, I believe God calls us into community—to “encourage one another to good deeds” and to care for each other as friends. Friendship is a gift, but it also requires effort and, at times, the courage to take a risk. Our church offers many opportunities to gather as friends. However, true friendship can’t be programmed and rostered- it’s up to each of us to make the most of every opportunity. One such opportunity is tomorrow (Saturday) morning at Men Walking Together. Meet at the church at 7:45 am for an 8:00 am start. Join us this Sunday as we explore more about friendship in scripture—including some examples you might not have considered before! Your Brother in Christ,Benji.